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SUN Country or Not: Vitamin D3 is Important

By Michael McBurney

From the beginning of pregnancy to a child’s second birthday (the first 1000 days of life) are important. Nutrition is essential for a normal, full-term pregnancy and the development of the child’s central nervous system (folic acid), brain (DHA), and vision (DHA, lutein, zeaxanthin).

Vitamin D can be found in two forms: D3 or cholecalciferol is present in animal and fish food sources. D2 or ergocalciferol is found in plants. D2 can also be synthesized by UV irradiation of yeast or mushrooms. Heaney et al (2011) found that D3 is more potent (87% more) than D2 in raising and maintaining serum 25(OH)D levels and that more D3 is stored. In a randomized, controlled trial (RCT) comparing 1,000 IU D2 vs D3 for 25 weeks, Logan et al (2013) found serum 25(OH)D3 levels to be 21 nmol/L higher in participants receiving D3.

Harvey et al (2013) reported that pregnant women having higher vitamin D intakes during pregnancy were more likely to have children with stronger muscles (N = 678 mother-child pairs). Maternal serum 25(OH)D3 concentrations during pregnancy were significantly correlated with height-adjusted grip strength and child percent lean mass; although the latter did not persist after adjustment for maternal confounding factors. Nieman et al (2014) report that vitamin D2 supplementation in athletes depresses serum 25(OH)D3 levels, possibly accounting for amplified markers of muscle damage following eccentric exercise. All of these studies point to the superiority of vitamin D3 as a dietary vitamin source.

Whether you are living in a sunny country or a SUN country, the words at Scaling Up Nutrition can be applied with respect to vitamin D3 status:

When children are properly nourished they grow up to be healthy and productive.

When children are healthy and productive their families, communities and countries become stronger.

That’s why countries around the world have committed to making nutrition a priority.

And why global partners are working to support the efforts of the countries.

Together, we can achieve what no single effort could, and make the world a healthier, stronger place for all of us.

Whether in the first 1000 days or last decade of life, don’t be a vitamin D statistic.